Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center

Tools & Resources

Cystometry

Guide

Risks

Cystometry usually does not cause problems.
There is always a slight risk of developing a urinary tract infection when a
catheter is inserted into the bladder. In rare cases, a bladder infection can
spread to a kidney and into the blood, leading to a life-threatening infection.
If an infection occurs, it can be treated with antibiotics.

If you
have a high spinal cord injury, you may have low heart rate, high blood
pressure, headache, and feel flushed or sweaty during the test. Report these
symptoms to the health professional conducting the test, since further testing
may cause complications.

After the test

After the test, you may need to urinate frequently, with some burning during and after urination for a day or two (especially if carbon dioxide gas was used). Drink lots of fluids to help minimize the burning and to prevent a urinary tract infection.

A pinkish tinge to the urine is common for several days after cystometry. But call your doctor immediately if:

Your urine remains red or you see blood clots after you have urinated several times.

You have not been able to urinate 8 hours after the test.

You have a fever, chills, or severe pain in your flank or abdomen. These may be signs of a kidney infection.

You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These symptoms include:

Pain or burning upon urination.

An urge to urinate frequently, but usually passing only small quantities of urine.

Dribbling or leakage of urine.

Urine that is reddish or pinkish, foul-smelling, or cloudy.

Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.

Results

Cystometry is a test that measures the
pressure inside of the
bladder to see how well the bladder is working.

Some results may be available right away. Full results are usually
available in 1 to 2 days.